Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Well, she should at least be prettier than Sylvia, right?

That's probably a tall order.

Sylvia and Lester exchanged numbers and then stood up to leave.

Lester, ever the gentleman, said, "Would you like me to give you a ride home?”

Sylvia smiled politely. "You're my client-it wouldn't be right for you to drive me. I'l just grab an Uber. Take care."

Lester watched her walk away, a little smirk tugging at his lips. She was definitely interesting.

Just then, his phone buzzed.

"Hey, bro, how'd your blind date go?"

"Which one?" Lester chuckled, thinking of Sylvia, his smile widening.

"Bro, are you grinning right now? That means it went well, huh?"

"You'll see for yourself tomorrow."

“Alright, but listen-when you meet him tomorrow, be nice, okay? I don't want you pulling any big brother intimidation tactics or playing the 'you owe me' card."

Lester's expression cooled a bit, but he didn't want to upset his sister, so he agreed.

"Got it."

...

The next morning, Sylvia woke up early and spent extra time getting ready. She was feeling fancy today.

After checking her bank balance last night, she realized that with Lester's payment, she was one step closer to financial freedom.

Soon, she'd be able to hold her head high in front of the Garcia family for her daughter, Naomi.

She dug through her closet for ages before pulling out the designer suit Rupert had given her.

If nothing else, it was the most expensive thing she owned—at least she'd look the part with Lester.

As she was smudging her lipstick with her finger in front of the mirror, her phone rang. It was Lester.

"I'm outside your place."

"Coming!"

In her rush, Sylvia forgot to wipe the lipstick off her finger. She grabbed her purse and hurried downstairs.

Lester's assistant, Zion, was waiting by the car, ready to open the door. When he saw Sylvia approaching, his jaw nearly dropped.

The car window rolled down beside him.

"Want a closer look?" came Lester's amused voice.

Zion snapped out of it and regained his professional composure, pulling the door open. "Sir, please."

Lester stepped out and looked at Sylvia as she walked up.

She wore a light lavender coat, the

belt cinched just right to highlighet

her figure. The glimpse of her bare glingslegant eaves was strikingly elegant

Her thick, dark curls danced in the wind, and her lips-touched just with red-made her look both innocent and afluring. When she

glanced up at him, Lester felphis heart skip a beat.

"Ahem," Zion prompted, "It's cold, sir. Maybe invite the lady into the car?"

Lester realized he'd been staring. He pulled the door open for Sylvia, offering her

a warm, easy smile. "Hop in."

Sylvia nodded and slid into the car.

On the drive, she felt a little awkward. Was she going to blow her cover at the brunch?

After a moment, she asked, as seriously as she could, "So, how should I address you? Mr. Sanford? Sir? Boss? Or...?"

Lester was caught off guard. He rarely dealt with women like

Sylvia most women around net

were either powerful business types or his sister.

The words slipped out before he could think. "I'm quite a bit older than you. Just call me 'big bro.""

Who calls their date that?

Sylvia pressed her lips together, thinking. "How about just Lester?"

When he heard his name from her lips, Lester felt a strange flutter in his chest. He

coughed, trying to play it cool. "Sure."

They arrived at the hotel soon after.

Just as Sylvia was about to get out, she noticed a bit of fluff on Lester's shirt collar.

"Hold on, you've got something on your collar."

Lester froze as she reached over, her fingertip brushing his neck. He tensed at the unexpected touch.noveldrama

Sylvia plucked off the bit of fuzz. "Looks like cat hair."

Lester leaned in to inspect. "My sister brought home a stray cat."

Sylvia was about to praise his sister's kindness, then realized how close they

were. She quickly pulled back.

"We're here. I-I'll head in first."

"Okay."

Outside the hotel.

Rupert was matching his pace to Reese's, strolling slowly.

Suddenly, Orson shot him a weird look and nodded toward a car that had just pulled up.

Rupert followed his gaze and saw Sylvia—and it looked like she was kissing the man in the car.